Journalist hacked, then sued

Alleged drug trader also injures the
newsman's brother in Jhalakathi

A journalist was hacked to unconsciousness allegedly by a local union parishad member at Uttampur village of Rajapur upazila under the district on Wednesday.

Md Ramjan Ali, reporter of natunsomoy.bd, also editor of weekly magazine Mokabela, faced the wrath of UP member Monir Hossen after publishing a few reports about the latter's criminal activities, said Ramjan's younger brother Md Barkot Hossen, who was also hacked by the attacker.

Ramjan and Barkot are sons of Md Abul Howlader of Rajapur.

Monir, also president of ward BNP, hacked the two brothers with a billhook when they were returning home, said an eyewitness.

Ramjan and Barkot were first taken to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex, then referred to Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal, and finally Ramjan was referred to Dhaka as his condition was critical, said doctors.

Police did not know anything about the hacking till Wednesday late night while they arrested a relative of Ramjan following a case filed by Monir against the journalist and his family on charge of injuring Monir's men, said Sheikh Munirul Giash, OC of Rajapur Police Station.

Monir Hossen and his gang are involved in criminal activities including drug sale in the area, said several villagers.

Monir refuted the allegations and said, “Ramjan has published different false reports against me. I did not attack him. Rather, he attacked my family when villagers came to save us. Ramjan might have been assaulted by villagers."

"None filed any complaint on behalf of the journalist. Police will take action after getting complaint," said the OC.

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